Assault and Common Defences

The Canadian Criminal Code defines assault as occurring whenever a person, without consent, directly or indirectly, intentionally applies force to another. Over the years, however, the Courts have expanded the definition of assault to include such things as pretending to throw a punch, poking someone, pointing a finger, gently shoving a person or even a light pinching. Courts have even found that words or acts that reasonably cause a person fear that force will be used against them can be considered an assault. An assault lawyer in Toronto like William Jaksa can help you if you have been charged with any form of physical or domestic assault.

What If It Was An Accident?

Accidentally shoving a person or bumping into them is not an assault. An assault only occurs if the force used was intentional. That could mean that intentionally trying to hit one person but accidentally hitting another person, is still an assault. It is the intention to apply force that is important.

Only Minimal Force Was Used!

The actual amount of force is not relevant to the determination if there was an assault. Even the gentlest of touches can be considered an assault. However, if only the slightest of force is used, the Courts may consider it trivial and dismiss the charges. Also, the amount of force used will be considered in any sentencing decisions. Your assault lawyer can help to demonstrate to the Court that the amount of force was negligible and that no harm was caused to the plaintiff.

Common defences to Assault Allegations

There are many possible defences to an assault allegation that Toronto Assault Lawyer William Jaksa can help you identify in your specific case. Some commonly recognized defences to assault include:

Self-Defence

Defence of Property

Defence of Another Person

Consent

Corrective Force

Reflex Action

Other Assault Related Offences:

Assault Cause Bodily Harm

Assault with a Weapon

Aggravated Assault

Unlawfully Causing Bodily Harm

Torture

Assaulting a Police Officer

Self Defence – Defence of Property – Defence of Another Person

The law allows every person to use reasonable force to defend themselves, people close to them such as family members and defend property from being lost or damaged. That force must be reasonable in the circumstances, can only be used to prevent the commission of an offence and cannot be excessive. There are many factors that the court will analyze when trying to determine if the force used was reasonable. If you have been charged because you have defended yourself, your assault lawyer from Toronto, William Jaksa, will help prove your innocence.

A Toronto assault lawyer can help you navigate the intricacies of the defences surrounding assaults. Contact Willaim Jaksa, Assault Lawyer in Toronto, to have an experienced professional on your side.